CD63

CD63 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the CD63 gene. It is a member of the tetraspanin superfamily, which is characterized by the presence of four hydrophobic domains. The proteins mediate signal transduction events that play a role in the regulation of cell development, activation, growth and motility.

Function

CD63 is a lysosomal membrane glycoprotein that is translocated to plasma membrane after platelet activation. It is also present in melanoma cells and is commonly used as a biomarker to detect the presence of these cells in the body.

Clinical significance

CD63 is used in the diagnosis of melanoma, a type of skin cancer. It is also involved in various diseases such as Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome, which is a disorder of lysosomal trafficking.

Interactions

CD63 has been shown to interact with integrins, a large family of cell surface receptors, and plays a role in various cellular processes including cell adhesion and cell signaling.

See also

• Cluster of differentiation
• Tetraspanin
• Melanoma